Reasons to start planning your next trip to Niseko!

The name “Niseko” is from the indigenous Ainu language and means something akin to “a cliff jutting over a riverbank deep in the mountains.” Aptly named, this location is plentiful with picturesque snowy sinews that move your eye down the mountain when gazing from afar.

Powder Soft Snow

• Up close, you’ll find the snow powdery soft and ripe for the snowboarding or skiing! Just be sure to check out the ski run difficulty ratings and watch the signs before embarking your way down. I enjoyed many tumbles in the snow and not a single bruise! The power is known to be some of the best, and you’ll be in good company as the holiday makers flock during peak seasons. It’s a merry sight to see school children and  happy travelers making their way on the mountain.

Fabulous Dining

• Niseko offers a world-class assortment of dining options, and this includes authentic Japanese barbecue. You do not want to miss the high quality sashimis, grills, ramens, and other delicious dishes made just for you. Lovingly prepared to perfection, the food is always served very fresh. No matter what your budget, you will have a vast assortment of mouth-watering options.  Interestingly, there is also a wide selection of Australien culinary treats! We observed that many Australian cafes and pubs find their home in Niseko and are ready to welcome you with a warm coffee or a cold beer, whichever you prefer. We all know Australians like to travel, but it seems like Niseko is a place they also like to stay! 

Hot springs (natural / spas pools) – Full Monty Style!

• After exhausting yourself in the cold powder, enjoying the yummy food…. do warm up and soothe those tired muscles with a dip in one of Niseko’s hot springs, which are called ‘onsens’.  The springs are plentiful in this region and there is a great number of quality spas and resorts to choose from which offer all the comforts and amenities your aching body will need. 

• The onsen experience is a must.  (Note: no swim wear / clothes are allowed!) You will be ushered to a changing room where you will remove all clothing, shoes& jewellery into a personal locker. Thereafter, you will enter a large communal area where you will take your shower (with members of the same gender). Toiletries are usually provided. After the shower, you are all ready to step into the onsen (in emperor’s new clothes)! You are usually permitted to bring along a small hand towel into the onsen.  

• Many spas/resorts offer specialty onsens with differing mineral content and temperatures. Take your pick! Enjoy the steamy soak & take in the beautiful scenery of the outdoors the same time. Most onsens will segregate a females and males only section, however, you may google for resorts offering mixed onsens if you wish to join your partner.
  

  

  

  

   

Safe neighborhood. Courteous, friendly locals

• Niseko is not only a great destination for it’s great slopes, breathtaking views, and soothing spas, but for it’s quaint neighborhood charm. While most of your company will consist of tourists, there is a relatively large community of warm and hospitable locals. We made many local friends during our 10 days here and would love to plan a second trip back in the near future. 

NB: We flew from Singapore to Tokyo via Singapore Airlines, connected via a domestic flight to Sapporo, and drove 3 hours to stay at the Niseko Prince Hotel (Hirafutei area) for our offbeat wintery trip in Niseko.